Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A touch sensing apparatus, comprising: a signal source configured to output a driving signal having first and second edges opposite to each other; a touch panel configured to receive the driving signal and output a current signal modulated by the driving signal; a signal conversion unit configured to convert the current signal output by the touch panel into a voltage signal, wherein the signal conversion unit comprises: an operational amplifier having a non-inverting input terminal, an inverting input terminal, and an output terminal; a feedback capacitor electrically connected to the inverting input terminal and the output terminal; and a feedback switch electrically connected in parallel with the feedback capacitor and configured to periodically reset the feedback capacitor; and a controller configured to control the signal conversion unit to turn on the feedback switch before the current signal formed by the first edge of the driving signal is output from the touch panel such that a time point at which the first edge of the driving signal is applied to the touch panel overlaps with a signal conversion unit reset period and the current signal formed by the first edge bypasses through the feedback switch to discharge the feedback capacitor, wherein the signal conversion unit is periodically reset to convert the current signal into the voltage signal down-converted and output the voltage signal, wherein the signal conversion unit reset period starts before the first edge of the driving signal is applied to the touch panel, and wherein the controller is configured to turn off the feedback switch before the current signal formed by the second edge of the driving signal is output from the touch panel such that the signal conversion unit converts the current signal formed by the second edge of the driving signal into the voltage signal by accumulating the current signal formed by the second edge in the feedback capacitor.
A touch sensing apparatus includes a signal source that generates a driving signal with rising and falling edges. A touch panel receives this signal and outputs a current signal modulated by the touch. A signal conversion unit, consisting of an operational amplifier, a feedback capacitor, and a feedback switch, converts the current signal into a voltage signal. Critically, the controller resets the feedback capacitor by closing the feedback switch *before* the rising edge of the driving signal affects the touch panel, effectively bypassing the initial current surge. This reset is timed so that the reset period and the arrival of the rising edge on the touch panel overlap. The controller opens the switch *before* the falling edge's current signal arrives, allowing the signal conversion unit to integrate and convert the current from the falling edge into the output voltage signal. The signal conversion unit periodically resets to down-convert the current signal into the voltage signal.
2. The touch sensing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier is connected to a reference potential.
In the touch sensing apparatus, specifically the signal conversion unit described previously where a current signal is converted into a voltage signal, the operational amplifier's non-inverting input is connected to a reference voltage. This connection provides a stable baseline for the amplifier's operation, ensuring accurate conversion of the current signal coming from the touch panel. The signal conversion unit consists of an operational amplifier having a non-inverting input terminal, an inverting input terminal, and an output terminal; a feedback capacitor electrically connected to the inverting input terminal and the output terminal; and a feedback switch electrically connected in parallel with the feedback capacitor and configured to periodically reset the feedback capacitor.
3. The touch sensing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the feedback switch comprises at least one of a field effect transistor (FET) and a bipolar junction transistor (BJT).
In the touch sensing apparatus where a feedback switch is used to periodically reset a feedback capacitor within a signal conversion unit, that feedback switch is implemented using either a field-effect transistor (FET) or a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). This switch provides a controlled path for discharging the feedback capacitor, allowing the system to periodically reset and accurately process touch input. The signal conversion unit comprises: an operational amplifier having a non-inverting input terminal, an inverting input terminal, and an output terminal; a feedback capacitor electrically connected to the inverting input terminal and the output terminal; and a feedback switch electrically connected in parallel with the feedback capacitor and configured to periodically reset the feedback capacitor.
4. The touch sensing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the driving signal having the first and second edges is a rectangular pulse train having rising edges and falling edges.
In the touch sensing apparatus, the driving signal, which has rising and falling edges, is a rectangular pulse train. This pulse train is applied to the touch panel to generate a modulated current signal. This type of signal provides a distinct on/off characteristic making it easier to detect the touch events. The signal conversion unit converts the current signal into a voltage signal, and the controller manages the resetting of the feedback capacitor using a feedback switch.
5. The touch sensing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the touch panel comprises: a dielectric substrate; driving electrodes formed on one surface of the dielectric substrate; and sensing electrodes formed on the one surface or another surface of the dielectric substrate and electrically connected to the signal conversion unit.
In the touch sensing apparatus, the touch panel itself consists of a dielectric substrate, driving electrodes on one surface of the substrate, and sensing electrodes on the same or opposite surface. These sensing electrodes are electrically connected to the signal conversion unit, allowing it to receive the modulated current signal generated by a touch. The driving electrodes receive the driving signal having first and second edges opposite to each other. The signal conversion unit converts the current signal into a voltage signal, and the controller manages the resetting of the feedback capacitor using a feedback switch.
6. The touch sensing apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the driving signal is applied to the driving electrodes.
Regarding the touch sensing apparatus and its touch panel with driving and sensing electrodes, the driving signal is specifically applied to the driving electrodes. This means the driving electrodes are responsible for emitting the signal that will be affected by the user's touch, and subsequently detected by the sensing electrodes. The touch panel comprises: a dielectric substrate; driving electrodes formed on one surface of the dielectric substrate; and sensing electrodes formed on the one surface or another surface of the dielectric substrate and electrically connected to the signal conversion unit.
7. The touch sensing apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a low pass filter configured to remove high-frequency components of the voltage signal down-converted and output by the signal conversion unit.
The touch sensing apparatus also includes a low-pass filter that removes high-frequency noise from the voltage signal after it has been down-converted and output by the signal conversion unit. This filter cleans up the signal, improving the accuracy and reliability of the touch detection. The signal conversion unit comprises: an operational amplifier having a non-inverting input terminal, an inverting input terminal, and an output terminal; a feedback capacitor electrically connected to the inverting input terminal and the output terminal; and a feedback switch electrically connected in parallel with the feedback capacitor and configured to periodically reset the feedback capacitor.
8. A method of driving a touch sensing apparatus, the method comprising: applying a driving signal having first and second edges opposite to each other to a touch panel; generating a current signal modulated by the driving signal applied to the touch panel; and converting the current signal into a voltage signal using a signal conversion unit, wherein the signal conversion unit comprises: an operational amplifier having a non-inverting input terminal, an inverting input terminal, and an output terminal; a feedback capacitor electrically connected to the inverting input terminal and the output terminal; and a feedback switch electrically connected in parallel with the feedback capacitor and configured to periodically reset the feedback capacitor, wherein the converting of the current signal into the voltage signal comprises controlling the signal conversion unit such that a time point at which the first edge of the driving signal is applied to the touch panel overlaps with a signal conversion unit reset period, and down-converting the current signal into the voltage signal, wherein the signal conversion unit reset period starts before the first edge of the driving signal is applied to the touch panel, by turning on the feedback switch before the current signal formed by the first edge of the driving signal is output from the touch panel to bypass the current signal through the feedback switch and provide a path for discharging the feedback capacitor, and wherein the converting is performed by using the current signal formed by the second edge of the driving signal, by turning off the feedback switch before the current signal formed by the second edge of the driving signal is output from the touch panel to accumulate the current signal formed by the second edge of the driving signal in the feedback capacitor to form the voltage signal.
A method for driving a touch sensing apparatus involves applying a driving signal with rising and falling edges to a touch panel and generating a current signal based on this driving signal. This current signal is then converted into a voltage signal using a signal conversion unit comprising an operational amplifier, a feedback capacitor, and a feedback switch for periodic resets. The method includes controlling the signal conversion unit such that the reset period overlaps with the arrival of the rising edge signal on the touch panel, discharging the feedback capacitor by turning on the feedback switch before the rising edge signal arrives. Before the falling edge of the driving signal impacts the touch panel, the feedback switch is turned off allowing the current signal from the falling edge to accumulate in the feedback capacitor, forming the voltage signal. The signal conversion unit reset period starts before the first edge of the driving signal is applied to the touch panel, and the current signal is down-converted into the voltage signal.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising low-pass filtering the voltage signal.
A method for processing a voltage signal in an electrical system involves monitoring the voltage signal to detect fluctuations or anomalies. The method includes comparing the voltage signal to a predefined threshold to identify deviations that may indicate faults or irregularities in the system. When a deviation is detected, the method generates an alert or triggers a corrective action to address the issue. Additionally, the method applies low-pass filtering to the voltage signal to reduce high-frequency noise and improve signal clarity, ensuring more accurate detection and analysis of voltage fluctuations. This filtering step helps distinguish between genuine anomalies and transient noise, enhancing the reliability of the monitoring system. The method is particularly useful in applications where stable voltage levels are critical, such as power distribution networks, industrial machinery, or electronic devices, where voltage irregularities can lead to performance degradation or system failures. By combining threshold-based detection with noise reduction, the method provides a robust solution for real-time voltage monitoring and fault management.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the applying of the driving signal comprises applying a rectangular pulse train.
A method for controlling a device involves generating a driving signal to actuate a component, such as a valve or actuator, in a precise manner. The driving signal is designed to control the movement or operation of the component with high accuracy, ensuring reliable performance. In one implementation, the driving signal is applied as a rectangular pulse train, which provides distinct on-off states for the component. This pulse train can be adjusted in terms of frequency, duty cycle, or amplitude to achieve desired operational characteristics, such as rapid response times or controlled energy delivery. The rectangular pulse train may be used in applications where precise timing and switching are critical, such as in fluid control systems, motor drives, or electronic circuits. The method ensures that the component operates efficiently while maintaining stability and minimizing power consumption. The use of a rectangular pulse train allows for straightforward implementation and compatibility with digital control systems, making it suitable for automated or programmable applications.
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November 21, 2017
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